I partially agree with you on the insurance dictating. I have family that work in every level of the health field and I can tell you insurance allows you to be the maximum amount. So what doctors do is when you come in for a cold, the doctor will do an xray(unnecessary), blood work(unnecessary), then when you read the breakdown from your insurance you see that xray was charged at 195 of which insurance cuts 95 but you have to pay the 100. ETC.When my kids get sick with strep. I know the bill after all is said an done is 175 always. Medical doctors will do tests that have nothing to do with your condition. It getting paid extra. Another example in Canada. Hubbys uncle is an internist. OFcourse, the medical in canada is paid by the government. However, His uncle oly gets paid $15 dollar for the office visit regardless. So when you come in for lets say the flu, HE does xrays, bloodwork(due to the medication his going to put you on), and then makes you get a followup appointment. so instead of getting paid only $15 he gets paid $100